New Thursday – Saturday Dates: May 7 – 9, 2026
Food to Tempt Your Taste Buds, Competitions & More…Don’t Miss It!
Bolivar Peninsula Charities, is thrilled to present the 41st annual Texas Crab Festival at Swedes Park on the Bolivar Peninsula. Entertainment lineup includes: Shinyribs, “a melting pot of Texas blues, New Orleans R&B-funk and horn-driven Memphis Soul”; Catalina Wine Mixer, “over the top multi-talented cover band”; The Mudflats, “Gulfcoast Groove”; J.A.G., “smooth/groovin’ to high energy/Zeydeco sounds”; Kevin Wright & David Varnado (playing during the Gumbo Cook Off at the Pavilion), “gifted/award winning performers”; Josh Ward, the “all grit no quit” artist who rolled out “Same Ol’ Cowboy, Different Rodeo” last year; Teague Brothers Band, “high energy/Texas radio favs”, Texas Thunder Band “true country you can dance to”; Michael Farrell, our own “home grown rising country star”.
Texas Crab Festival is a 41 year Gulf Coast tradition not only packing a punch with musical entertainment, but also features nearly 100 vendor booths featuring handmade jewelry, woodworking, foods, bath/body products, and so much more. Stop by the Gumbo Cook Off in the Pavilion, enter a good ole’ fashioned eating contest, register for the 5K-1K-0.0 timed Run/Walk and Chill & Cheer. Texas 2-Step your way to cash prizes. Show off your skills at the Washers, Horseshoe, or Cornhole tournaments. If Scavenger Hunts are your jam, you can follow the clues to find hidden treasures on the Swedes Park grounds. Your kids will be entertained for hours at the incredible KIDZ ZONE!

One of the largest draws for this festival is the ever-popular WIENER DOG RACES! Take part in LIVE CRAB RACES, purchase your chance to win a CUSTOM GOLF CART, bid on some unique items in the Live (A Cargo Lift, Dinner at the Lighthouse and the list goes on), Silent (items from our amazing Vendors and more) and Online Auctions (buy some pretty crazy cool items like a Lainey Wilson autographed custom framed album, tons of sought after sports memorabilia and soooooooo much more: https://cbo.io/app/public/bidapp/texascrabfestival/auction). It’s a time to catch up with old friends and make some new friends!

Started in 1985 to promote tourism, this fundraiser has evolved over the years and now benefits HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS, partnerships with CHRISTMAS ANGEL TREE programs, holiday GIFT CARD and BIKE giveaways and more. Texas Crab Festival remains committed to nurturing the communities’ needs. Special Thanks to all of our 2026 Partners for making this year’s event possible. Presenting Partners: DeMontrond RV, Gulf Coast Market “The Big Store”, Coors Light, RTA, Swedes Real Estate, Island Liquor, COBB Real Estate, Texaco Winnie, Cody & CJ
For a complete schedule of events and/or to purchase tickets please visit: txcrabfest.org





Shauna King
May 5, 2026 at 7:54 amAnd you still get your paper out! I am beyond impressed. THANK YOU for ALL YOU DO!